American Health Law Association Names David E. Matyas Recipient of 2025 Idea Champion Award
- January 26, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Health Law Association (AHLA) announces David E. Matyas as the recipient of its 2025 IDEA Champion Award, recognizing his visionary leadership in advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the health law profession. The award will be presented during AHLA's 2026 Annual Meeting.
The IDEA Champion Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within AHLA and the broader health law community. Recipients of this prestigious recognition have shown remarkable leadership in advocating for innovative approaches and implementing best practices that ensure IDEA principles are embedded in organizational structures.
"David Matyas exemplifies the values and mission of AHLA through his transformative leadership in championing diversity as a strategic priority," says David S. Cade, Chief Executive Officer of AHLA. "His early vision and steadfast advocacy elevated IDEA to the highest levels of organizational decision-making, creating lasting impact across our entire community."
As a Member of Epstein Becker & Green who serves on its Board of Directors, Matyas focuses his practice on defending health care providers in government investigations, audits, and fraud-related claims. He also advises emerging health care companies and private equity investors on complex regulatory matters in the rapidly evolving health care landscape.
Matyas' leadership on AHLA's Diversity Council laid essential groundwork for what has become the Association's comprehensive IDEA framework. As the Membership Committee Chair when the Advisory Council on Racial and Ethnic Diversity was established in 2006, he recognized the critical importance of creating institutional structures to support diversity within the Association.
Under his guidance, intimate networking gatherings of just ten members evolved into the cornerstone "Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion" receptions now integral to every AHLA conference. His visionary leadership during the 2008 expansion of the Council's charter to encompass broader underrepresented groups demonstrated remarkable foresight that continues to influence the Association today.
Matyas served on AHLA's Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008, including service on the Executive Committee and Finance Committee. He chaired the Membership Committee, Practice Groups Committee, and the Fundamentals of Health Law Planning Committee for multiple years. His speaking engagements span numerous AHLA conferences, including the Annual Meeting, Fraud and Compliance Forum, and Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues.
His influence extends to AHLA's ongoing initiatives, including training for leadership, intentional conversations on IDEA topics, creation of online affinity groups in AHLA's community platform, and expanded opportunities for members to build meaningful professional networks. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, he is recognized as a respected speaker and author on health care fraud, compliance, and other complex legal issues.